H.R. No. 572
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Memories of a life well lived may help to comfort
those saddened by the passing of Iris Brite Porter on July 19, 2022,
at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, Born in Pleasanton on July 12, 1933, to Thomas and
Nora Brite, the former Iris Wilsie Brite grew up with the
companionship of four older siblings, Rita, Ralph, Bessie, and
Taylor; her father taught her that education was the key to success,
and through hard work and discipline, she was named valedictorian
of Pleasanton High School before graduating summa cum laude from
Texas State University in 1953; and
WHEREAS, The following year, she exchanged wedding vows with
Norman Porter, with whom she shared more than six decades of
marriage until his passing; she was a devoted mother to her son,
Norman, and also cherished her three grandchildren, her nine
great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, After teaching in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and
Bronte, Mrs. Porter returned to Pleasanton, where she became the
district's only special education teacher; she was later elevated
to the role of special education director, before starting and
directing a special education co-op of five school districts; she
was deeply dedicated to ensuring that all students with
disabilities were provided the support they needed and were treated
with respect and kindness; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, Mrs. Porter began a new chapter in her life
when she entered law school; she graduated from St. Mary's
University School of Law at the age of 60 and was chosen by her peers
to be the featured speaker at her graduation ceremony; from there,
she practiced law up until the date of her passing, and she earned a
reputation as a tough but caring advocate for her clients, most of
whom had nowhere else to turn for help; and
WHEREAS, Iris Brite Porter inspired many people through her
exemplary professional achievements and her fierce commitment to
the underserved, and she will long be remembered with affection and
admiration by all who had the good fortune to know her; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Iris Brite Porter and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to her son,
Norman Porter, and his wife, Amy; to her grandchildren, Nolan Brite
Porter and his wife, Lisa, Erin Kathleen Porter Wells and her
husband, JJ, and Ross Shafer Porter and his wife, Estelle; to her
great-grandchildren, Miles, London, Noah, and Harlow Iris Porter,
Lake, Ruby, and Forrest Wells, and Evangeline and Charli Porter;
and to her other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Iris Brite
Porter.
King of Uvalde
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 572 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 30, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House